Industry

Bowman appeal against Flemington suspension to be heard on Tuesday

The Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear an appeal by Hugh Bowman at 9.30am on Tuesday 13 November 2018.

Mr Bowman has lodged a notice of appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed by the Stewards when he pleaded guilty to three charges with respect to his ride on Marmelo (GB) in Race 7 the Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday 6 November 2018.

Charge 1 – Mr Bowman pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR137(a), the carelessness being that near the 500m he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of Chestnut Coat (JPN) resulting in that horse being checked when tightened for room. Mr Bowman had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period of twelve race meetings. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account his guilty plea and good record and that the carelessness was in the mid-range.

Charge 2 – Mr Bowman pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR137A(5)(a)(ii) for using his whip twelve times prior to the 100m, which is seven times more than permitted. Mr Bowman had his licence to ride in races for a period of eight race meetings. In assessing penalty Stewards took into account his gross breach of the rule in a Group 1 event.

Charge 3 - Mr Bowman pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR145 for returning to scale more than a half kilogram over his declared riding weight. Mr Bowman has his licence to ride in races suspended for a period of twenty-one race meetings.

The Stewards deemed that all three suspensions be served cumulatively, however, to avoid making the term of suspension manifestly excessive, Mr Bowman’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to commence at midnight on 8 November 2018 and to expire at midnight on 8 December 2018, a total of 35 race meetings (one calendar month).